Broomfield News

Heart of Broomfield Angel Award: Sue Mitrovic is a true friend to FRIENDS of Broomfield

ANGEL WINNER: Sue Mitrovic, day program manager at FRIENDS of Broomfield, was selected as winner of the 2013 Heart of Broomfield Angel Award for all she does for the nonprofit organization. (Courtesy photo)

Mitrovic, day program manager at FRIENDS of Broomfield and this year's Heart of Broomfield Angel Award winner, said it was corporate downsizing that led her to her passion for helping those with developmental disabilities.

"In the late '80s, I was being downsized from Mountain Bell and responded to an ad for support staff. I applied to a group home in Eldorado Springs. Like FRIENDS, it had an innovative, person-centered approach, and had been started by parents. From the beginning I was trained to see behavior as communication. I discovered an intuitive ability to relate to people and it came naturally to respect people as adults," Mitrovic said via email.

"It also came naturally to see the balance between having expectations, but accepting that those expectations aren't met, and then repeating the same process the next day. Those relationships provide such a great opportunity to reflect upon ourselves and our own behavior."

Her innate abilities have made her a rock at FRIENDS of Broomfield and a friend to many who participate in programs provided by the local nonprofit organization.

Gina Coufal, founder and director of the program that serves adults with developmental disabilities, met Mitrovic more than 18 years ago, when Mitrovic was working at a summer school program attended by Coufal's son, Josh. Coufal sought Mitrovic's advice on someone who could implement a home therapy plan for Josh, who has autism, cerebral palsy and experiences seizures. Mitrovic volunteered.

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"That was the start of a relationship with our family, but especially Joshua. Since that time she has been a home therapist, respite care provider, mentor to my other children and a true friend and confidant. She stepped into our lives and never left," Coufal wrote in her nomination for Mitrovic.

Mitrovic also has volunteered for many organizations serving marginalized populations here and abroad, Coufal stated, adding "she is a true champion for those in need ..."

And she is a champion for FRIENDS of Broomfield, Coufal stated.

Mitrovic joined the staff at FRIENDS in 2007 and has become a beloved mentor and adviser for program participants and their families, including the Coufals.

In a nomination letter written for him by his mom, Josh Coufal said, "I want to tell you that Sue has been like a second mom to me most of my life. She helped me to work on holding a spoon and unzipping my coat. ... She helped me to learn chores, like loading the dishwasher, making my bed and folding my clothes. She always said 'Good job Josh. I knew you could do it! I'm so proud of you!

"... She always believed I could do more, even when it was hard and I got discouraged."

Josh Coufal said that love and encouragement extended to all FRIENDS participants when Mitrovic came on as a full-time staffer.

"She taught all of my friends in the day program to do things, too. She cared about them like she cared about me. Somehow she knows what we need and helps staff to see it, too. She always protects us and lets everyone else know how awesome we are," he wrote.

"All of us care about her, too. We depend on her to support us and tell others how strong and capable we are ... We feel safe and loved because of her."

Mitrovic has not faltered in her devotion to her friends at FRIENDS, even when facing daunting challenges in her own life. Mitrovic said she was diagnosed with breast cancer in September and had surgery in October.

"It is aggressive and continued to spread. The most recent treatment is chemotherapy which started March 12," she said. " ... I remain at FRIENDS because it is such a supportive environment, my job allows me flexibility with my schedule. The good things that happen here are uplifting and I can make a difference."

And make a difference she does.

Timothy Maxwell, board president for FRIENDS, said "looking beyond the daunting obstacles that Sue has faced in her personal life, she has continued to shine brilliantly as a model of compassion and care."

Jean and Tim Hynek, whose daughter, Kathryn, has attended the FRIENDS day program for years, said, "Sue has always shown remarkable dedication, perserverance and drive to make the adult day program thrive ...

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